To attend university or not

[kat]

The last two months I've been really debating on whether I should go back to school, to get a degree in photography.

I am really looking at the Emily Carr University as it would be near where I want to go and I've heard great things about it (now to get in at 32 would be another story).

But I'm just wondering if it would be worth it. There is so much I don't know about photography, then I wonder do people ever learn it all?

Or should I just take courses here and there that are given at different schools.


Have you gone to school for it? Worth it? Have you not?

I'd love to hear your stories!

[Greg_Nuspel]

So you think you're too young to get in at 32?

I heard an interesting interview from a photographer on 7 photography questions, he figured that school was not the best option. His theory was take some workshops and take photos. Study the masters and take photos. Participate in online critiques and take photos. I think he had a theme but I'm not sure :-)

Then on the other hand school will expose you to many things you might not come across on your own as well as a good base in theory and art appreciation.

So there I just talked in a complete circle, I should run for office.

[Bambi]

as someone who returned to school and graduated at 32 I think that you should do it! I did two degrees. Had two kids and then returned and finished my second Masters while the kids were young. It's certainly doable.

It's obviously an interest of yours and you are definitely talented. It's worth it to nurture that talent. Emily Carr is a wonderful University (one of the ones my daughter picked but it was too far away) with a great reputation.

[AcadieLibre]

If you can afford it and have the ability to go I cannot see a downside to it. I went to University and Majored in Art History but had to drop out could no longer afford to go. I loved the experience and since then have taken some University and Community College courses covering a range of things. I have tangents where something catches my interest and if I can I take a course for it, so far computers, art, economics, politics and some others that I took just out of interest.

I have not taken a course in photography since University and it was a long time ago and it was the days of film. I have heard that Ryerson University and Sheridan College have outstanding photography courses. If you want to do it for a living and want to step out above the crowd I would recommend it. There are too many photographers or want to be these days so the field is very competitive so a University Degree would put you in a position not many have. I only know about Toronto area schools so it would be in your interest to look into the courses they offer and if you can talk to some of the Alumni and see if they got work in related fields.

What is the exact courses your looking at? 32 is not old by the way.

I also know a couple of people who went to school and spent $30,000+ for their photography education and are waiters or waitresses so I suggest you look into what I mentioned earlier about seeing what percentage of those who have taken the courses you are considering ended up in a job in the field. The two people I have known who went to Sheridan college are both photographers, one for a major Toronto newspaper and one in the son of very good friend and is a fashion photographer in NY now.

The people I know who spent the money and never landed a job or made any money in photography went to private schools (would put the name of it but don't want to be accused of slander) and ended up doing menial type work. The credibility of the learning institution will have a huge impact on what you end up with and end up getting for your money. As I first mentioned if it is a reputable learning institution I do not see any downside to it. If and when I have time to I would love to go part time just if it is plausible and possible and my photography would cover the costs. I have been doing photography for 30 years now and only stopped once and it was lack of time to do it well, if I can't enjoy it or do my best I prefer not to do something rather than do it poorly and it was very costly to go from a film to a digital setup.

Are you planning a specific degree? Full or part time?

[casil403]

Okay Kat...I'm 44 and just started back at school this year...you are never too old to do something you want to do.
Go for it if it's what you want....that's what I am doing!
I'm with Al on this one...Is there anything you can take via distance?

[casil403]

So there I just talked in a complete circle, I should run for office.

Greg Nuspel...Mayor of Calgary!

[Bambi]

Okay Kat...I'm 44 and just started back at school this year...you are never too old to do something you want to do.
Go for it if it's what you want....that's what I am doing!
I'm with Al on this one...Is there anything you can take via distance?

aha! casil, you are one year younger then me. I am 45. And if I wanted to I wouldn't hesitate to go back to school......

[kat]

Thanks for the replies!

If I go back it's for the full thing..graduate degree.

I'm just so on the fence. For that amount of money, I could get things I need to enhance my photography but at the same token can I learn all these techniques on my own on how to use them.

And a degree behind the name couldn't hurt.

Just not to sure yet..maybe a visit to different places and seeing what they offer and how that would help me is in order!

Thanks everyone!

[Marko]

Wow this is a really tough question and has many levels based on what you are after. One thing I will say in terms of money and making a living....

On average, getting a photography degree at school will lose you money overall. You'll spend 2-3 years full time in school which means you'll make little money for those 2-3 years. You'll also have to pay for the education/room/ maybe board. Plus, in my experience - you will learn plenty of stuff that you are not interested in.

and at the end of all of it you'll only have the education. Photography jobs are all about marketing so AFTER the education then you'll have to market your self or business. Expect that to take 2-3 years MINIMUM. That's 4-5 years.

Apprentice for free, take private lessons, self study....it will take less way time , you'll build up contacts, and statistically you will make considerably more money.

If it's not about the money and it's only about the learning, ignore what I just wrote.

Hope that helps!

Marko

[Greg_Nuspel]

Marko is right about marketing, if you want to make a living at it you will be further ahead taking marketing courses. Many pros have told me that there are many rich average photographers and many exceptional but poor photographer and the main difference is marketing. The exceptional and rich are few, but you will notice they are also great at marketing.